Unsung Senior Athletes, Spring 2022

A lifelong tennis player and three-season varsity competitor, Sam Feder finished 6-4 in singles and 6-2 in doubles for the squad that placed second in both the Prep League and the VISAA.

 

“Sam is a leader in the weight room and someone that the younger players look up to on and off the court,” said Coach Karin Whitt. “It’s not uncommon to see him hitting with the younger players after practice or on weekends. His joy for the game and for being with his teammates is evident the minute he shows up to the courts or van. He’s always willing to help out and is one of our go-to seniors.”

 

Andy Sidhu joined the track team as a junior and served as a captain during his final season. A sprinter and hurdler, he has recorded personal bests of 16.62 in the 110 hurdles (good for fifth place in the VISAA championship meet) and 46.78 in the 300 hurdles.

 

“Andy has made significant contributions in just two short seasons,” said Coach Brent Miller. “He’s put in hours of extra work to become a better hurdler, and he brings this love for the sport to practice every day. He has a wonderful attitude and approach to training, and the rest of the team follows his lead.”

 

A first-season spring track athlete after six years competing in the winter, D’yan Robinson ran the third leg of the 4x100 relay that won both the League of Independent Schools (51.37) and VISAA (51.26) championships. In the state meet, she also placed third in the triple jump in a lifetime best 33-0, almost three feet farther than she had ever jumped before.

     

“When D'yan told us she was going to run spring track this year, we were ecstatic,” said Miller, who coaches the sprinters, hurdlers, and horizontal jumpers. “We knew we had an experienced sprinter who could help lead and make an immediate contribution.  She’s been willing to try new events, like the triple jump, to help the team.”

 

Will Porter has played varsity baseball for two years, mostly as a backup first baseman and pitcher. In his final season, he stroked a single and double in his three plate appearances as a pinch hitter during a season in which the Cougars finished 17-8, claimed a share of the Prep League title, and advanced to the VISAA semifinals.

 

“Will is passionate about baseball,” said Coach Andrew Slater. “He’s completely selfless. Just a great kid. He’s a hard worker. He’s always on time. He doesn’t miss anything. He’s incredibly supportive. He’s just a great teammate.”

   

Ella McDaniel joined the varsity softball team her freshman year. In her final spring, she served as designated hitter and recorded 10 hits and seven runs batted in for the Cougars, who reached the LIS semifinals and VISAA quarterfinals.

 

“Ella has been an active participant in our offseason activities and has worked hard to become the best hitter she can be,” said Robby Turner, the LIS coach of the year.  “She had several big hits this season and always wanted to know what she needed to do to get better.  Her sense of humor helped our team tremendously.”

 

A quarterback who has committed to Denison University, Owen Fallon, who plays attack in lacrosse, scored 29 goals, assisted on 12, and recorded 21 ground balls.

 

“After taking a year away from lacrosse to focus on football, Owen has had a huge impact,” said Coach Andrew Stanley, whose squad finished 15-8, placed fourth in the Prep League, and reached the VISAA quarterfinals. “He’s a tough, passionate competitor and a supportive and positive teammate who took on challenges head-on and continuously found a way to score big goals in big moments in big games. Owen gave all he had to his friends, his teammates, and his school.”

 

A two-season varsity lacrosse performer, Lucy Storey played attack for a squad which finished 11-9 and reached the LIS championship game and the VISAA quarterfinals.

 

“Lucy's positive attitude is contagious and has the ability to raise the level of those around her,” said Coach Christina Dobson. “Lucy's continuous loyalty and support of her teammates are things that are not always seen through statistics and accolades.”  

 

Amanda Tan and Kate Riopelle, both forwards, have played varsity soccer the past two spring seasons.

 

“Amanda and Kate have been incredible teammates,” said Rob Ukrop, the LIS coach of the year whose team finished 13-5-1, won the LIS championship, and reached the VISAA semifinals.  “They always worked hard in training and provided encouragement to their teammates as part of our bench mafia. They continue to put the team first each day as we strive for excellence.  Team success is built on having teammates like Amanda and Kate who embrace their role to make us stronger.”

~Weldon Bradshaw